Ippo goes over to Mashiba's house, wanting to ask a him some questions about the title match. When he arrives, all the lights in the house are off, and it seems there is no one in. The door the opens and Mashiba asks Ippo to enter the house and have a seat. Ippo asks Mashiba about the match, and the latter replies that it was nothing special and he fought like always. When Kumi arrives and turns the lights on, Ippo notices Mashiba's bruised face, and realizes that it was no easy victory for him. Even though Kumi and Ippo celebrate with enthusiasm, Mashiba seems to be very annoyed.

When Ippo leaves, Kumi accompanies him outside and tells him that the wrinkles on her brother's face, were not those of anger, but the ones he makes when he tries not to smile. She also wishes him luck in his upcoming title match against Date, and promises to hold a party for him as well when he becomes the champion.